Month: February 2020

Did you know that chili was once considered a food of the poor and working classes? Chili is a generic term for a concoction of chili peppers, whatever meat is available (any varmint that lived in the Midwest) and various herbs and spices. Chili began to make “official” appearances around 1850 with the push to

Believe it or not…Easter is fast approaching. At Open Door Mission we start planning for holidays way in advance. We will be serving 100 or more children, not to forget the adults too. (Numbers fluctuate as families move in and out) As we look forward to Easter for the children we need items for the

Open Door Mission has a lot of “unsung heroes”, from volunteers to donors to our delivery men. Yes, our delivery men have become a part of how the Mission serves the less fortunate. Those of us at Administration have gotten to know them well…especially with donors using Open Door Mission’s from various “wish lists” for

February 21st is George Washington’s birthday, a man often hailed as the “Father of our country”. Like most historical figures there is a lot of myth surrounding him. There is no doubt George was a good patriot, soldier and leader, but he was human like the rest of us. The “cherry tree” story assumes that George

Do you have a heart to serve? Do you like to teach? Do you like to help in the kitchen? Are you an organizer? Do you like to cuddle children? Do you have a skill or hobby you would like to share? If you can answer yes to any of those questions you need to

A couple of weeks ago there was this big football game…the Super Bowl! The guys at the Garland Thompson Men’s Center, at Open Door Mission, pretty much love sports. There were parties all over town, most of them with alcohol. That is a lot of temptation for men trying to stay sober so our Chef

Valentines’ Day is a time to turn your thoughts to love and loved ones. The card industry loves the day, as well as candy maker and jewelers. Why do we have Valentines’ Day? St. Valentine is celebrated because he took a stand that eventually cost his life. During the 260 ADs the ruling Caesar decided

In the “olden days” when I was in School we celebrated Lincoln and Washington’s birthday, now days we just have President’s Day. As I researched the topic of Lincoln I was surprised to find that Lincoln was not a “religious” president. Early in his life he drew away from his Calvinistic upbringing. He didn’t reject

I am blessed to speak to various middle and high schools in the area about homelessness. The students often write me notes about what they learned and how the information has affected them. I am always amazed the most of the young people have no concept of the effect of homelessness on society and their

You are expecting a new baby, what joy. You begin planning the nursery filled with all you will need to care for the new baby. There is so much needed for such a little one…Pack-n-Play, baby swing, highchair, stroller, bouncy chair and so much more! Your mind begins to whirl as you start thinking about